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Top 10 countdown: Wharton relying on ground game

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By NICK WILLIAMS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 17, 2009

No. 9 (tied) Wharton

The Tribune is counting down the top-10 football teams in Hillsborough County. The rankings were compiled by The Tribune's four staffers who cover high school football.

Wharton graduated three Division 1 recruits from last year's playoff team, but returns enough talent to be recognized in the Tribune's preseason top 10.

The 2008 season was an emotional roller coaster for the Wilcadcats. They lost their first two games, before winning the next eight. However, before the first round of the playoffs, assistant defensive coach Earl Goodman died of an apparent heart attack. The team rallied and reached the Class 5A region semifinals, where it lost to Chamberlain.

Running back Shane McEwen returns for his senior year, coming off a breakout junior season in which he rushed for 1,087 yards with seven touchdowns. McEwen will share the backfield with senior Malik Williams, who showed promise last season with 485 yards and four touchdowns. The offense is still searching for a starting quarterback with the departure of Andrew Clifford, now a freshman at South Carolina. Head coach David Mitchell said three players [DeAndre Mills, Ryan Hatter, Tanner Stocker] are battling for the position and he has no immediate favorite.

Defensively, Wharton will rely on former Chamberlain defensive tackle and Division I recruit Eric Hammond (6-foot-3, 310 pounds), who transferred in the spring, to control the line. Mitchell said Hammond will also play on the offensive line, which was one of the team's strongest units last season with Louisville signee Hunter Stout. Mitchell is also expecting a breakout season from linebacker Kyle Wilcox, who despite being groomed to play fullback was a natural at the linebacker position in the spring, and returning starting defensive back Terrence Hicks.

Kickoff Classic: Aug. 28 vs. Bloomingdale
Season Opener: Sept. 4 vs. Spoto

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